Carrier Thermostat Voltage Drop / Brownout

Thermostat frequently reboots or restarts on its own, especially when heating or cooling starts.

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Undersized or long thermostat cable causing voltage drop, Overloaded 24 VAC transformer, Loose R or C connections, Internal thermostat power regulator issue

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Turn off power to the HVAC system before working on wiring.

  • Step 1 – Tighten connections: At both thermostat and control board, tighten R and C terminals and ensure wires are fully inserted.
  • Step 2 – Check cable length and gauge: If the thermostat is very far from the equipment and uses thin-gauge wire, consider upgrading to a thicker cable to reduce voltage drop.
  • Step 3 – Measure voltage under load (advanced): With system running, measure AC voltage between R and C at the thermostat. If it drops significantly below 24 VAC when equipment starts, the transformer may be undersized or failing.
  • Step 4 – Reduce accessory load: Temporarily disconnect non-essential accessories (humidifier, ERV) to see if reboots stop.
  • Step 5 – Replace thermostat if needed: If supply voltage is stable but reboots continue, the thermostat may be defective.
  • When to call a pro: A technician can evaluate transformer sizing and wiring to ensure reliable power.
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Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

Carrier Smart Thermostat
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